Air conditioning

Procedure/duty: Evaluation of Practices that use Resource and Equipments/ Machinery using the resource   Save Time On Research and Writing Hire a Pro to Write You a 100% Plagiarism-Free Paper. Get My Paper
Resources	Waste caused	Environmental impact
Air conditioning Save Time On Research and Writing Hire a Pro to Write You a 100% Plagiarism-Free Paper. Get My Paper	Fans and air conditioner running through out the day and night, even when the weather is cool enough and humidity is good (comfortable)	The region falls under Queensland whose main source of electric power is black coal.  The coal must be mined, which affects the ecosystem adversely, leaving open spaces bereft of vegetation and coal is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions (Chaplin, 2009)
Ventilation	Having ventilation machines constantly running even when humidity and indoor air quality is good	Environmental, soil, and habitat pollution form acid mine drainage. Acidic water from coal mines flow out, especially from abandoned mines that have exposed rocks containing the mineral pyrite, which is a sulphur bearing mineral. The pyrite reacts with water and air, forming sulphuric acid as well as dissolved iron. As water washes through the coal mines, a dilute acid is formed from the compound  that washes into nearby water channels, such as rivers, streams, or drainage swamps, adversely affecting the delicate riverine and water ecosystems During the process of mining coal, coal dust is stirred up; further, when coal is being transported, coal dust is also stirred up; these cause severe respiratory diseases and problems that can be deadly of greatly reduce the quality of life (Bian et al., 2010)
Lighting	Having rooms lighted with high energy consuming bulbs or lights left unattended (on) even when there is sufficient daylight. Security lighting that stays on all night	6680 MW of Queensland electricity is generated from black coal that leads to air pollution form coal fired power plants (‘Business Queensland ’, 2018). The pollution is due to nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, particulate matter that are by-products of coal burning. These materials lead to acid rain, smog, environmental toxins, and also cause a myriad of cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular adverse effects that negatively impact human health
Running consumer electronics such as computers, entertainment electronics, Wi-Fi systems	Consumer electronics, including TV’s, audio systems, iron boxes, computer systems and peripherals, including Wi-Fi are  left on even when not in use, with most appliances remaining on stand by and in the process continue consuming electricity, which is basically wasted energy	Again, given most of Queensland energy comes form black coal, there is adverse environmental impacts in the long term as coal plants have climate impacts. Power plants that are coal fired are responsible a quarter to one third of Carbon dioxide emissions (Stein, 2008), and as a consequence, coal is a major contributor to global warming and the climate change phenomena. Especially the black carbon that is left over form incomplete coal combustion additionally contributes to climate change (Moran, Shapiro,Boettner, & Bailey, 2018) Coal mining leads to ground water being degraded or lost as coal seams usually serve as aquifers; hydrological systems underground can be adversely affected after the coal seams are removed. Further coal contains small amounts of radioactive materials, particles, toxins, and waste coal, all which have adverse health and environmental impacts
Water heating and washing machines	Water heating and washing machines are heavy consumers of electricity, especially at home or where home based businesses are run. Water heaters are left on continuously consuming electricity or consuming significant amounts of energy on a daily basis	Coal generated electricity in the region adversely affects the environment. Coal fires are common in coal waste piles, and even in abandoned mines. Several underground coal fires burn intentionally, and on a global scale, coal fire emissions include up to 40 metric tons of mercury that get into the atmosphere yearly. Further, 3% of the global carbon dioxide emissions are due to coal fires (Stein, 2008). These have adverse effects on human and plant health, as well as on the climate
Refrigeration systems (fridges and freezers)	Most refrigeration systems and appliances at home run continuously, thereby consuming large mounts of energy, especially the older, compressor run fridges and freezers.	With most energy in Queensland coming from black coal and gas (1349 MW) ‘Business Queensland ’, 2018), there are environmental impacts. Liquid coal waste (slurry or coal sludge) is generated when coal is washed.  The slurry is disposed off at impoundments situated close to coal mines or in some cases pumped into underground mines that have been abandoned. The coal sludge contains toxins that spill or leak into soils and other ground ecosystems, endangering surface and underground water and the flora and fauna found in these sites (Epstein et al., 2011).
Cooking	Using electricity for cooking, especially when grilling; these consume large amounts of electricity	Coal generated power results in adverse coal effects; apart from those listed above, surface coal mining results in the emission of green house gases. Mountain top mining removal results in large amounts of carbon being released through tree burning and clear cutting. Soil bound carbon is released and brought to the surface due to mining activities (Samaras, & Meisterling, 2008). The green house gases emitted amount to a minimum of 7% of the green house gases emitted by coal power plants. Natural gas, despite emitting significantly less emissions, also causes degradation of the ground, ground water systems, and release some emissions from their mining and combustion (Jiang at al., 2011).

The above effects are not specific for any resource being used; they can be adverse effects from using electricity generally within the premises.

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Total
Resource 1 Computers	1118.03 Wh	414.42 Wh	1341.91 Wh	2317.94 Wh	1472.98 Wh	6580.04 Wh
Resource 2 Air conditioning	1242.25 Wh	1018.30 Wh	1278.01 Wh	1287.75Wh	1237.80 Wh	6045.18 Wh
Resource 3 Lighting	104.35Wh	79.57 Wh	153.36 Wh	162.26 Wh	103.97 Wh	598.55 Wh
Total	2464.63 Wh	1512.30 Wh	2773.29 Wh	3767.95 Wh	2814.75 Wh	13223.77 Wh

Description purchasing strategies at your organisation The main strategy for purchase of electricity is to have a fixed price strategy for all sources of electricity, so that there is a fixed price per unit of consumption (Kwh), the time the electricity is used and on what appliances or for what purposes notwithstanding. This strategy ensures that the consumer (workplace) now and understand  the charges for all the energy that they will consume. This way, a budget can be developed for electricity based on previous consumption and expected consumption patterns (Friedman & DeCorla-Souza, 2012). However, electric companies have a fixed charge on electricity use, whether the premises consumes electricity or not; these are usually statutory charges. However, the strategy is to have a fixed price, rather than a floating price for electricity. This strategy maximises the risk of the buyer to electricity retailers, it attracts the greatest premium, especially among the providers/ sellers. Another strategy is to have a convenient and stable supplier of electricity for the premises. Electrical equipment can be damaged by power spikes and fluctuations, so the strategy is to have a supplier that provide good, stable quality electricity with minimal black/ brown outs. Existing suppliers with a distribution network near the premises are preferred to reduce connection and / or reconnection costs; the aim is to be as close as possible to the main electricity distribution lines. Another strategy is to use an electricity seller that can obtain electricity from mixed sources such as coal, gas, thermal, renewable sources, and even solar so that power supply is maintained even when one source of power in the electricity generation mix reduces or is unavailable.

Description of purchasing procedures Essentially, at the beginning, either the developer or premise managing agent ensures electricity is connected, accompanied by a meter and the necessary wiring and cabling for electricity. At the premise, the purchase of electricity follows the four main phases for any purchase, starting with the initial considerations for reliability, availability, and options. This phase is then followed by an active evaluation of the factors and issues being considered, including availability, reliability, and convenience, as well as price, and to some extent, the environmental impact. This phase is followed by closure when a purchase agreement is made and post purchase issues, such as billing rates and intervals. After all these considerations and issues are taken into account, further taking cognisance of constraints such as available suppliers and proximity as well as costs, a formal contract is signed by applying to the utility (electricity) suppliers and signing an agreement, with a meter/ metering device installed at the premise.  When this is done, the premise uses the electricity, based on the contractual agreements and best use policy, and then makes payments based on the agreed rates and tariffs at convenient periods, for instance every month.

Evaluation of purchasing strategies and procedures for sustainability Essentially, the purchasing strategies and procedures are mainly aimed at ensuring the premise has sufficient, quality, and reliable electricity supply whenever needed (all the time), at a reasonable cost. Sustainability concerns are not a real priority for the premise because all that is needed, as stated before is reliable electricity; their sources and methods of generation notwithstanding. However, reasonable care is taken to ensure contractual agreements are fulfilled, such as not connecting a three phase equipment to the provided two phase line without approval from the power supplier. Because the premise and owner pays for al the electricity consumed, there is an unwritten rule on best use policy; such as not leaving ironing boxes on, or coking with electricity in place of gas, and turning off lights during the day, as well as safety during operation of equipment using electricity and handling electricity.

Name of regulation	Type of environmental regulation	Workplace relevance
The Electricity Act 1994	State Legislation for the State of Queensland, Australia	The Act has the objectives of setting a framework for all participants in the electricity industry, including generators, distributors, sellers  and consumers to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economical electricity supply and use. The act also has the objective of ensuring consumer interests are protected> the terms environmentally sound, economical , and safe use of electricity are very relevant to the premise because these are some of the guiding principles when selecting the purchasing strategies and processes (Queensland Government, 2018).
Electricity Regulations 2006	State Legislation for the State of Queensland, Australia	The purposes of the legislation are to  ensure efficient and economic supply of electricity to consumers under fair and reasonable terms and ensure the interests of the consumer are sufficiently protected. Further, the legislation aims at providing proper energy efficiency measurements as well as performance in electrical equipment, make this information available to the public, and prescribe particular conditions for employing people in the GOE industry. Of relevance to the premise is the ensuring fair and reasonable electricity supply, as well as proper measurements of energy efficiency and electrical equipment performance (Queensland Government, 2017).
Electricity Distribution Network Code	State Legislation under the Queensland Competition Authority	This code defines the code for electricity network distribution that sets out rules for metering. This is relevant to the premise because one of the purchasing strategies was to ensure fixed rates that are billed based on accurately measured consumption of electricity (Queensland Competition Authority, 2016)
Electrical Safety Regulation 2013	A State Legislation and Regulation of the Queensland Government related to workplace health and safety	The regulation specifies how the electrical safety duties are to be met as exhaustively as practicable including incident reporting, electricity supply, and in-scope electrical equipment. This is relevant in the workplace due to the need for safe use and handling of electricity and electrical equipment and appliances (Electrical Safety Office, 2015)
Electricity supply and regulation	A State Regulation of the Queensland Government that regulates the supply of electricity	This regulation provides guidelines and regulations for the various participants in the Queensland Energy Market and this is relevant for the premise in the context of fair pricing, practices, and quality of electricity supply, given these are strategies fr electricity purchase
Electrical Safety Act 2002	A State Regulation of the Queensland Government that regulates safety in electrical use, and is the basis for the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013	This Act is a regulation on safety, including licensing electrical workers and codes of practice for electrical safety by consumers; this is relevant for the workplace in the context of workplace health and safety when using electricity (Queensland Government, 2018)
Energy and Water Ombudsman Act 2006	A State Regulation of the Queensland Government to enable the investigation and resolution of  disputes involving energy entities	The act is relevant to the business because it provides relevant customers of energy and relevant land occupiers an effective, timely, just, and independent way of  referring disputes on matters involving entities in the energy sector and having such disputes investigated and then resolved (Queensland Government, 2018) .
Environmental policy and legislation ( Environmental Protection Act 1994) and includes: Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008, Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008, and the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009	A State Legislation of the Queensland Government aimed at protecting the environment	The environmental policy and legislation is relevant to the business premise because it gives regulations and a policy framework on general environmental protection, and protection of environmental elements including air and water. These are relevant, considering the environmental impact of various resources and resource use areas and how they affect the environment, especially for power generation, a majority which uses black coal in Queensland https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/management/env-policy-legislation/
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act)	A State Legislation that follows upon the national legislation for work place health and safety	The act is relevant to the premise becauseit provides a framework for protecting the safety, health, and welfare of al workers at work and all other people that may be affected by the work. While electricity has created immense conveniences, its also a dangerous ‘substance’ that must be handled safely https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/workplace-health-and-safety-laws/laws-and-legislation/work-health-and-safety-act-2011

After having identified the resource and the resource usage areas, as well as the impact of the current practices, the relevant legislation, and the strategies fr purchasing the resource, consultation was done with team members on how improvements can be achieved at the workplace, in lieu of the identified issues on resource utilisation. There was a unanimous agreement that electricity use at the premise, and indeed in most of Queensland, needed some changes in order to cope with environmental pressures for purposes of posterity, reducing energy use costs, and comply with the stated regulations and laws. Upon consultation, it was agreed that everyday simple acts such as switching off electrical appliances and removing them from the outlet (unplugging) could go a long way in conserving energy use. Further, the use of modern electrical appliances wit intelligent energy saving features featured prominently. Suggestions were also made to use solar and wind energy, the former which is abundant in Queensland most of the year.

At a wider level, the consultations revealed a need for an overhaul of the Australian Energy Sector and Sector Policies to ensure more green and renewable sources of energy are used for electricity generation. Though a valid idea, the author felt that this was a bit out of the scope of this exercise. There was a particular recommendation that struck a chord; that of using equipment and appliances that can directly use renewable energy sources as their primary source of electricity. This includes using solar powered fridges and freezers, solar powered heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, as well as solar films on windows to keep out intense heat while generating electricity. It was also proposed that small scale solar generation systems be installed on available suitable surfaces, such as solar panels on the roof and car park canopies to convert free solar radiant energy into electricity to supplement the mains power supply, or also to replace the mains electricity in some energy sinks, such as replacing electrical lighting with solar lighting, including night security lights.

Decreasing the usage of resources entails conserving energy and reducing wastes that add to the UN-sustainability burden. Reviewing the consultation done with the team members, this is an approach that has little or no extra costs and can be implemented immediately, with benefits felt almost immediately.  The first strategy would be to have an energy audit undertaken at the premise, by hiring a certified energy auditor to determine where energy is most being used and where improvements can be made, as well as how these improvements can be achieved. Based on the energy use audit, informed and effective decisions can be made, targeted at tackling identified areas where power is being wasted or where savings can be achieved. Reasonable and careful use of electricity by shutting down and disconnecting electrical appliances when not in use is something that is very easy to do in ensuring sustainability and reducing energy consumption. Turning off lights and using ambient natural lighting will also reduce the energy burden from the producers and suppliers, and hence help save the environment. Using low power rated appliances and equipment, such as energy saving bulbs and other appliances will also help ensure sustainable use of electricity, while enhancing safety. The third strategy in reducing power consumption is in using modern appliances and equipment, such as digital freezers and fridges that do not use the traditional compressors. These are medium term objectives that can easily be achieved with minimal resource usage. Having had done an energy audit, the next area for reducing resource use would be to use equipment that can directly harness and use renewable and green energy sources, such as the sun’s energy. Some air conditioners and ventilation equipment can use solar, with solar panels installed to power these devices. This is a medium to long term strategy that will help the premise significantly lower electricity use at the premises.

Ventilation

Use alternative power sources

As stated earlier, Queensland is blessed wit sunny days most days of the year. This means that instead of using electricity, the business can make use of renewable solar energy as an alternative to mains coal generated electricity to not only lower energy costs in the long term, but also ensure sustainable use and reduce, in its own small way, the environmental pollution and degradation due to coal mining and use in electricity generation. Using alternative sources of power would require installing solar panels on the roof of the premise as well as on areas such as the car park canopies. This will result in the premise generating electricity that it can use, and with up-scaling of the project, it will be possible to generate excess electricity that can be ‘sold’ back to the mains grid for use by the power companies, such that the premise becomes carbon neutral. By getting payments for the generated electricity for the utility companies, the premise can generate additional income, and have the satisfaction of knowing it has made a positive impact in sustainability efforts, lowering pollution and adverse effects from black coal generated electricity, as well as saving and conserving the environment.

Action	Potential opportunity	Estimated saving	Environm ental impact	Capital cost	Payback period	Target	Target Date
Switching off and unplugging  computers and other electrical equipment, including photocopiers, TV sets, and Wi-Fi units	This will help  reduce energy use and waste when the devices are not being used, especially overnight when people have gone home	10 workstations plus two copiers printers x $ 0.223 Annual savings is $ (AUD) 413.52	Reduced electricity generation using black coal	Nil	N/A	90% of computers ad copiers/ printers switched off and unplugged overnight	1 month
Replacing existing air conditioning systems with solar powered air conditioning  systems	This will eliminate the need to use electricity to power air conditioning   and instead use free solar power	One 16000 BTU Air conditioner such as one from Clean Tecnica using 1000 Watts for 6 hours a day x $ 0.223 per Watt will save $ 488.42 annually	Elimination of electricity use for air conditioning and ventilation	4000	8.2 years	Replace the air conditioning unit with a solar powered one	6 months
Replace water heating system with a solar one	Eliminate the need for using electricity to heat water at the premises	The heater uses 4000 Watts (rating) and is on for 4 hours a day at a cost of 0.223 per Kwh will save 1302.46 per year	Reduce the need for electric power for water heating, helping reduce black coal use to generate electricity	7000	5.4 years	Replace all water heating with solar water heater	4 months
Replace all bulbs with energy saving bulbs	Reduce energy used by standard bulbs by using energy saving bulbs	30 CFL bulbs replaced by energy saving bulbs  will save $ 48.9 per annum	Reduce electricity consumption and hence the amount generated using black coal	200	4 years	Replace all existing standard bulbs with energy saving ones	1 month
Use solar panels and thin solar films on windows to generate electricity for use for lighting and other purposes	Reduce electricity use by generating electricity using solar	A 6 Kwh solar system will cost approximately $ 12600 fully installed using 330 Watt solar panels and high efficiency inverters and batteries will save $ 6000 per year in bills	Reduce mains electricity used at the premise with small solar system using clean and green renewable energy, reducing the coal burned to generate equivalent electricity	12600	2.1 years	Generate at least 6Kwh of electricity from solar panels to reduce daily energy use	6 months

CC Block G – BSBSUS301A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices – Student Guide – Reviewed August 2014 19

Action	Responsible	Due Date
1. Source an energy consultant and have the consultant undertake n in-depth energy audit for the premises Depends On: Getting the proposal approved by management and budgetary allocation for it provided	Energy and safety officer
2. Ensuring that no electrical appliances are left running or plugged in when not in use Dependent on: Staff being educated and made aware on ensuring no device remains plugged in	Energy safety officer
3. Changing all light bulbs from CFL and standard bulbs to energy saving bulbs in the entire premise, including security lights Dependent On: Budget approval to have all bulbs replaced	Energy monitoring officer
4. Replace the existing air conditioning and refrigeration system that runs on mains electricity with solar powered systems or modern refrigeration systems Dependent On: Sourcing for suitable replacements, having a budget approved for this purchase, and having the old air conditioning units removed	Accounts office and energy officer
5. Purchase and installation of a solar powered hot water system for water heating purposes Depends On: Having the budget for the solar hot water system approved and purchase of additional supporting infrastructure	Accounts office and energy officer
6. Installation of solar panels and thin film on the roof, car park ports and windows (solar film) Depends On: Having the budget for the solar hot water system approved and purchase of additional supporting infrastructure	Accounts office and energy officer
7. Monitoring energy use on a daily and weekly basis to evaluate success of interventions aimed at reducing consumption Depends On: Having the new measures implemented and new equipment in operation	Accounts office and energy officer

Monitoring to be done for consumed electricity on a daily basis from the immediate interventions aimed at reducing power consumption / resource usage

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Total
Resource 1 Computers	836.25 Wh	390.255 Wh	1170.75 Wh	2007 Wh	1326.85 Wh	5898.35 Wh
Resource 2 Air conditioning	1115 Wh	958.9 Wh	1115 Wh	1115Wh	1115 Wh	5418.9 Wh
Resource 3 Lighting	93.66 Wh	74.93 Wh	133.8 Wh	140.49 Wh	93.66 Wh	536.538 Wh
Resource 4 e.g. packaging
Total	2212.16 Wh	1424.1  Wh	2419.55 Wh	3262.49 Wh	2535.51 Wh	11853.79 Wh (11.8 KWh)

The energy was calculated by taking the power rating of the appliances, such s 5000 Watts for the A/C, between 250 and 400 Watts for the computers and printers, and 14 Watts for the energy saving bulbs. The savings were computed by multiplying the power usage by the average hours the machines would be switched off, for example, the power used by the A/C is 5000 W * 12 h. To measure the savings, the devices were plugged through a digital electric counter and their energy consumption measured (for computers and A/C unit). These were then multiplied by the time the devices would remain switched off to obtain the average daily savings. For the lights, their use was measured by switching them all off and measuring energy use on the meter for two hours and an average value found and extrapolated for the entire day (energy use X period the bulbs would remain switched off) on a daily basis. There were variations because people would forget to put off some equipment on some days

Lighting

The premise located at 37 Manton Street , Morningside QLD 4170 consumes over 700 Kwhs of electricity on a monthly basis. This consumption is high, and therefore, efforts have been made to help evaluate the energy use areas and to reduce the consumption of electricity in the premise. To achieve a reduced bill and lower resource usage, the management has sought to employ a twin strategy of reducing resource consumption and to use alternative sources of power. The first strategy is the easiest (low hanging fruit) and involves every day practices that comply with the various laws and regulations in QLD and practices aimed at reducing resource usage. The work practices in the first strategy entails undertaking an energy audit to determine the energy use areas in order to determine which areas use the most electricity to develop a strategy that results in significant reductions. After identifying the use areas, a strategy was developed to reduce idle equipment and machineries especially when machines are left on standby or plugged in to the wall outlets. Previously, the appliances such as computers and electronics would be left running, or on standby and plugged in; while this is assumed not t consume any electricity, the actual fact is that electronic equipment that remain on standby still consume some electricity.

Lights would be left running, and the bulbs used were the standard or CFL ones that consume large amounts of electricity. Some lights would be left on, out of ignorance or habit, when the lights are actually not needed because there is ambient lighting from sunlight. Further, the bulbs consume more electricity. Some equipment are energy hogging, such as water heating and air conditioning, which contribute to the large electricity bills. The work practices identified to reduce resource consumption include switching off completely and plugging equipment and appliances off from the wall outlet, especially overnight when they are not being used. This was identified as a basic area where consumption can be reduced through fair and reasonable use, without extra expenditure in equipment. All that was required was allocating someone the responsibility and sensitizing staff on the need to have the devices switched off completely when not in use. Improvements could also be achieved through replacing existing light bulbs with energy saving bulbs to reduce the energy used for lighting. Apart from the practices that would result in reduced usage, other interventions, despite having significant investments in new equipments and systems were also sought. For instance, some equipment such as air conditioning consume significant amounts of energy; and because of habit , are left running through most of the day, even when the weather is cool because no one takes notice that it is consuming electricity. By replacing such equipment, as well as other energy sinks, such as heating (water heating), and equipment such as refrigerators and freezers to use solar powered ones, significant amounts of electricity use from coal produced power would be reduced. In this strategy, the aim was to use alternative sources of power through small scale solar power generation. This was informed by the analysis showing that most of the electricity used in QLD is generated from black coal, whose mining, transportation, and combustion, as well as disposal has immense adverse environmental impact.

Running consumer electronics

The consultation with stakeholders identified several areas where energy resource use could be reduced. The most immediate efforts were recommended to be on reducing resource use through sensitisation and reasonable use policies, including having equipment and machineries not in use being switched off and unplugged fro the mains, especially at night when people have gone home. Equipment with intelligent systems were also recommended, such as air conditioners that could be programmed to shut off once a certain indoor air temperature and humidity is achieved, and be automatically shut down or on standby when people have left work. The report also recommended the use of alternative green energy sources such as wind and solar, the latter which is abundant in Australia and QLD. Another recommendation was to use equipment and appliances that used renewable energy sources such as solar directly, in order to eliminate further electricity energy use by such equipment. Small scale solar generation for everyday use was also recommend, as was the use of low energy consuming devices such as energy saving bulbs. The changes implemented included those that did not require much or any financial investment at all, such as the purchase of new solar panels to use in solar energy generation.  

The changes immediately implemented included undertaking an exhaustive energy audit where the energy being used and by what appliance was evaluated to develop a suitable strategy to reduce use. This was followed by taking actions based on the first strategy of reducing the consumption of the resource (electricity). The actions taken were aimed at significantly reducing wastage and misuse of electricity through reasonable use policies aimed at reducing power consumption. Having done an energy review, the team started by setting and implementing a policy of avoiding passive energy use, by shutting down computers, computer peripherals such as printers and copiers. These were projected to lead to savings of $ (AUD) 413.52 per annum, which would lower the present monthly average bill 12 %. Another measure was to replace all the present bulbs being used with energy saving bulbs that would knock off $ 48.9 in electricity bills annually. Apart from replacing the bulbs with energy saving models, the bulbs would be switched off at night and when there is sufficient sunlight where ambient light from the sun is used, especially in common areas that are well lit to further save resource use. Staff were educated and enlightened on the need for reasonable use, in accordance with existing regulations and laws, and in line with the new strategy of reducing the company’s energy use and carbon footprint.

Water heating and washing machines

The education and sensitisation was necessary in order to inculcate a culture of resource use awareness and take steps to reduce use, such as having all people switch off lights and machines in their respective places; an energy officer was appointed to champion this initiative and monitor usage and any savings. The initiatives were to be continuous, with future strategies being to replace some equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems that use black cola generated electricity with ones powered with renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Effort would also be made to replace equipment such as fridges and freezers with modern ones that use less electricity, such as those with digital systems for cooling replacing compressor powered ones. The strategy was divided into immediate, mid term / intermediate, and long term initiatives. The measures to use the first strategy were short term strategies, and their implementation (shutting down machines, replacing current bulbs with energy saving ones, and using natural light when there is enough sunlight, as well as switching off air conditioning units when not needed) resulted in 10% savings in electricity resource consumption within a week. The short term initiatives were to be implemented immediately, with a maximum period of one month. Other intermediate or medium term strategies included replacing some equipment such as HVAC and refrigeration systems with solar powered ones and would take between one month to nine months to implement, while the long term strategies were to have small scale solar power generation using solar panels and would take between 3 months to 2 years to implement. The long term strategy was to reduce black coal and gas generated electricity by two thirds within three years, and by up to at lest 90% within five years.

The changes made in energy consumption reduction and the use of alternative energy sources that are renewable resulted in significant energy use reductions. Reasonable use practices resulted in a 10% reduction in energy use within a week, as the chart below shows;

The strategy is continuous improvements through purchase and installation of energy saving systems such as solar powered appliances, some of whose investments can be recovered within a year or two. The intermediate strategies were achieved, although the team believes that greater savings can be achieved as spot checks showed some people still left lights on while out of the office, or kept their computers running 24 hours. In making some changes such as replacing some equipment, there were challenges in convincing management of the financial benefits of such moves, considering that some equipment cost a lot of money to purchase and install, compared to the energy that would be saved from using them. This was especially so for the medium and long term strategies in reducing electricity resource use and using alternative sources of power. Some strategies, such as replacing air conditioning units would take up to 8 years to recuperate the investment, and issue that management questioned (if at al it was worth it).

Refrigeration systems (fridges and freezers)

The modifications to the plans would be to undertake another sensitisation initiative, and even have staff read manuals to inculcate the culture of energy saving. The time for investment pay-off was not taken to by management, especially where such pay-offs would take a long time and the strategy needed to be changed, by selling the adverse effects to health, ecosystems, and the environment of black coal and gas generated power in short, medium, and long term and the need for social responsibility with regard to helping reduce climate change and conserve the environment. To ensure staff comply with electricity resource usage, people were given incentives of weekends off if they followed the new rules on energy conservation and work place health and safety by always switching off and unplugging electrical appliances when not in use as leaving them on pose the hazard of electrical fires or damage to equipment.

The immediate measures taken to reduce electricity resource use  resulted in a 10% reduction in energy use within a week. However, more savings can be achieved is all people at the premise implemented the proposed measures; reducing consumption through avoiding waste can result in up to 20% reduction in energy consumption. The intermediate/ medium term and long term plans can result in further energy savings of up to 50 % in the medium term, and up to at least 90%, and nearly 120% savings when renewable small solar energy systems are implemented in the longer term. It would result in excess electricity produced, completely eliminating the need for black coal generated power and the excess power being sold back to utility companies and sent into the grid. The projected savings are depicted in the chart below, with 120% savings possible within 2 years;

References 

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